Things You Must Know About MRI Scan
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a painless procedure that creates a highly detailed image of the tissues inside your body. MRI scans are risk-free and painless. Most importantly, it can provide critical information to your doctor about issues with everything from your feet to your brain. You must prepare for an MRI in the same way as you would for any other diagnostic exam. There are some common concerns that people have before having an MRI, so here’s what you should know about an MRI Scan& that your doctor might not tell you.
What is MRI scan?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive procedure that creates comprehensive images of organs and structures inside your body using a magnetic field and radiofrequency radiation. It can be used to check your heart and blood arteries as well as spot stroke-affected parts of the brain. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging is another name for magnetic resonance imaging.
Types of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
On the other hand, there are different types of MRI scans according to their layout and design. Let’s have a look at the various MRI scanners available.
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Open vs. Closed MRI
When you hear the term "MRI scan," the first thing that comes to mind is either loudness or claustrophobia. Even while some people experience claustrophobia and find MRIs to be quite uncomfortable, these cutting-edge diagnostic instruments are always being improved to accommodate the needs of every patient. For your benefit, there are now both closed and open MRI machines available.
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Contrast MRI
Contrast dye can help to produce sharper images of several medical ailments, including back issues, strokes, infections, and even the detection of some types of cancers. The dye can make internal structures more visible and help your doctor in measuring and evaluating growths like tumors.
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Functional MRI
An MRI, or functional MRI, examines your brain activity and analyses blood flow to it. This kind of MRI is frequently used to evaluate brain damage. Alzheimer’s or dementia can also be evaluated with a functional MRI. To rule out any brain tumors or potential for epilepsy before surgery, your doctor can also ask for a functional MRI.
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Cardiac MRI
An in-depth image of your heart, blood vessels, and circulatory system will be captured during a cardiac MRI. This particular MRI is used to look for any blockages in your blood arteries or issues with the way your heart is built. If you have heart attack damage or your doctor suspects issues with the aorta, the body’s main artery, they may also advise getting a cardiac MRI. The detection of heart tumors can also be accomplished with a cardiac MRI.
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Musculoskeletal MRI
The most frequent use of a musculoskeletal MRI is to diagnose conditions or treat wounds that affect your bones, joints, muscles, and other soft tissues. Injuries to the spine, such as a herniated disc, spinal fracture, or compression of the spinal cord, are detected with this kind of MRI. A musculoskeletal MRI can be useful in cases when hairline fractures are difficult to see on an X-ray.
What is MRI Scan Used for?
Soft tissues, such as the brain, can be imaged in great detail using MRI. These regions are black because air and hard bone do not produce an MRI signal. Depending on the amount of water and fat present in each tissue as well as the scan parameters, the color of the bone marrow, spinal fluid, blood, and soft tissues ranges from black to white. To evaluate whether a tissue is healthy, the radiologist compares the size and distribution of these bright and dark patches.
What Not to Do Before an MRI?
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Eat regularly and take your usual medications before your MRI scan, unless your doctor tells you not to.
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Before the test, it’s crucial to take off any items that might contain metal or electronics, including jewelry (including rings, earrings, hairpins, dentures, watches, and hearing aids).
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Your credit or debit cards shouldn’t be brought inside the MRI room. The magnetic strip on the back of the cards could be damaged or erased by the machine.
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Ask your doctor to write a note indicating whether any implants or body clips you may have are safe for an MRI if you have.
MRI Scan Cost
The cost of an MRI scan varies depending on the location and the body part being scanned. In India, an MRI scan typically costs between Rs. 1500 and Rs. 25000.
The most accurate, efficient, and secure diagnostic imaging method currently accessible is the MRI scan. A strong magnet and radio waves are used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to inspect the inside organs and body structures. MRI scans are used by medical professionals to identify a variety of diseases, from tumors to torn ligaments. MRI results from ionizing radiation are more precise and in-depth.